Backstreet Boys part ways with longtime label Jive: 'This is the best thing that could happen to us'

Image Credit: Gary Gershoff/WireImage.comAfter a 17-year relationship that yielded 130 million(!) in record sales, eight top-10 albums, and untold episodes of delirious fan fiction, the Backstreet Boys and their label Jive/Zomba are no more—and apparently they both wanted it that way.

So the news is out! The Backstreet Boys are no longer signed to long time record label Jive Records. The amicable split is very exciting for the group. “This is the best thing, at the best time that could have ever happened for us”, says Brian Littrell. “We are confident in the future of our band, and are looking forward to the new things to come. 2011 is going to be a great year for us!”

One new thing you can’t join them in, unless you’ve already been waitlisted? The Backstreet Boys cruise, slated to travel from Miami to Cozumel, Mexico from December 9-13; it’s all sold out.